DICK GRATTON - GUITARIST

For booking information call Dick at (856) 577-7812 or e-mail Dick at dgratton@earthlink.net

BIOGRAPHY

DICK GRATTON started playing guitar in 1948 after hearing his father's extensive collection of jazz and big band recordings. Inspired by guitarists Les Paul, Gene Bertoncini, Tony Mottola and Wes Montgomery, Dick started performing in groups in high school and shortly thereafter joined a group in 1957 working New Jersey night clubs in the Trenton area and Atlantic City. Self taught on guitar and bass, Dick has performed with local jazz pianist Dick Braytenbah as well as recording artists such as Philadelphia based vocalists Suzanne Cloud, Denise Montana, Miss Justine and Connie Rainis, Trenton area jazz vocalist Wenonah Brooks, saxophonists Denis DiBlasio and Richie Cole and the late great jazz guitarist Tal Farlow. Area night club appearances include the Greenwood Grill, the Mill Hill Saloon, the Tremont Lounge, the Centre House Pub, the Urban Word Cafe, and Marsilio's Restaurant in Trenton NJ, the Nassau Inn in Princeton NJ and the Farnsworth House and Bordentown Yacht Club in Bordentown NJ. Dick has also made concert performances at the Trenton NJ Mill Hill Playhouse, the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton NJ and the Jazz and Blues Showcase Series in Medford Lakes NJ, led jazz groups at annual dinners for the American Federation Of Musicians Of Trenton NJ, performed at many of Trenton's official functions such as annual Trenton Preservation Awards ceremonies and Heritage Days Festivals, played in Bordentown NJ for annual Cranberry Festivals and Iris Festivals and performed in a six piece jazz group with special guest saxophone artist Richie Cole at the 1998 Trenton Jazz Festival at Waterfront Park in Trenton NJ, opening for legendary jazz performers pianists David Benoit and Alex Bugnon, Latin pianist Eddie Palmieri and vocalist Oleta Adams. Dick has played with Tal Farlow in guitar workshops in Philadelphia PA as well as night clubs in Philadelphia PA and the Jersey shore. In addition to his self-produced CD "THE GUITARS OF DICK GRATTON" recorded during the summer of 1998 at his Bordentown NJ studio, Dick is also featured on recordings of vocalist and composer John Calu, jazz vocalists Linda Lee, Arlana Joy, Wenonah Brooks and the late smooth jazz vocalist Evelyn Anderson. He has played both concert guitar and steel string guitar on engagements.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT DICK GRATTON

"This past Saturday I was fortunate enough to share the stage for a brief time with jazz guitarist Dick Gratton. Dick performed with Kevin Toft as I provided percussion support for the two of them. Gratton held the audience practically spellbound with his smooth stylings. Friday nights at 6:00 p.m. Dick Gratton performs live at the Chambers Walk Cafe located on Main St. in Lawrenceville. Take the family out for some tasty treats and enjoy the sounds of this local legend." - Danny Coleman, The Trentonian - Trenton NJ - May 17, 2012

Dick Gratton is playing tonight at Chambers Walk Cafe! Great food and live jazz in a cozy setting -- now that's how to spend a wintery evening! - The Lawrence Voice - (on Facebook) January 7, 2011

"...jazz guitarist Dick Gratton, from Bordentown. I used to play jazz guitar and this was the real deal, and better yet, he took requests, including 'Waltz For Debby' and 'Manha de Carneval', two of my favorite tunes. I was hooked." - Cliff Moore, The Montgomery News - Montgomery Township, NJ - May 2, 2008

"Well known for his articulate melodic compositional interpretations, Mr. Gratton's style is much different from the prevailing atonal qualities of modern jazz guitar." - Josh Appelbaum, The Princeton Packet - Princeton NJ - June 2, 2006

"There is no musician I would rather listen to, or with whom I would rather work. The music he plays is exquisite, growing more beautiful and complex with the years. Working with Dick is like taking a master class; I always learn something." - Arlana - jazz vocalist - (via e-mail) - November 28, 2004

"Gratton: quiet, big hands caressing and coaxing resonating notes. This is warm music. Leave the cold outside, on the streets of Trenton." - Joseph Sapia (from liner notes of the Evelyn Anderson-Dick Gratton CD "YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW ME") - October 28, 2000

"There's a subtlety to Gratton's playing that can best be appreciated in small jazz clubs..." - Richard J. Skelly, US1 - Princeton NJ - August 16, 2000

"One of Trenton's premiere jazz guitarists...a combination of Wes Montgomery, Les Paul and Tony Mottola." - Ed Ramsey, The Trenton Times - Trenton NJ - June 5, 1997

"Sort of in the Tal Farlow mold with his acoustic guitar with his own unique way of doing things. He knows a million tunes and he doesn't sound like all of the other guitarists." - Randy Sutin, The Trenton Times - Trenton NJ - December 18, 1992

"Gratton's style is laid back and articulate, the kind of mainstream jazz that retains a recognizable melody and doesn't challenge the nervous system." - Marci Shatzman, The Trentonian - Trenton NJ - December 25, 1991

"...Definitely one of the guitarists you should try to hear." - Mark Stradling, The Trentonian - Trenton NJ - October 26, 1986

"Dick Gratton gives one the impression that when he entered this world, he had that jazz guitar with him!" - Vic Bodine, The Trentonian - Trenton NJ - March 13, 1971

NOTES FROM JAZZ FANS

Hello Dick,

Just a quick blast to let you know just how much we enjoyed your performance last night at the Chambers Walk Cafe. Although Donna and myself are mostly familiar with the jazz style of Russ Freeman and David Benoit, we weren't prepared for last night's experience. Both of us recognized just about every piece that you played, but your arrangements were off the scale - to put it mildly!

Toward the end of the evening, when I stood off to the side watching you spin your magic, the visuals proved to be as interesting as the music. A master at work.

As I proofread this it does appear to be an exercise in accomplished smoke blowing. However, even if you were Hitler incarnate, we'd have to give the devil his due - great is great. Luckily for us, you're a good guy to know. Fifty plus years of experience without the attitude that generally accompanies it.

We'll be seeing more of each other, Dick, as my schedule permits. I'm sure that your working with others should be just as entertaining as your solo performance last night.

Keep it alive my friend

Rich and Donna - (via e-mail) - June 2, 2007

Dear Dick -

My friends and I had dinner at Chambers Walk, and all of us truly enjoyed your beautiful music! You are an amazing talent - you enhance the meaning of the music for the listener in a way that is so rare these days!

Best wishes and continued success to you in these trying musical times (as a vocalist, I can only boast a few meager gigs in 2009! I certainly miss the 80's, and the continuous five gig weekends!).......The next time we dine at Chambers, I will be sure to say hello.

Happy Holidays!

Deborah - (via e-mail) - November 18, 2009

...You can do more with six strings than most piano players can do with two hands.

Linda - jazz vocalist - (via e-mail) - November 30, 2009

Dear Dick -

Adrian and I want to thank you again for the beautiful music you provided at our reception. It was just what we hoped it would be and we had many compliments from our guests about how much they enjoyed it. It was perfect.

Ruth and Adrian - (via US mail) - December 8, 2009

Dick:

My wife and I heard you for the first time last Friday night at the Chambers Walk Cafe. We had a great time and your music made the night even more special. Upon leaving the cafe I mentioned that I wanted to buy your CD. Please know, however, if I played my guitar just a fraction as good as you, I would ask how much you charge for a lesson.

In closing, my wife and I are looking forward to our next dinner at the Chambers Walk Cafe and hearing you again.

Sincerely,

Dean - (via US mail) - December 22, 2009

Dick,

Thanks for a fine program last evening. It was very enjoyable. The music was a good fit for a Valentine's holiday program, as I hoped. I greatly appreciated the turnout, which was larger than usual. The fact that most who attended remained for both sets, suggested that they also enjoyed the program. Hope you, Linda, Dennis and Dick were pleased with the evening as well.

Thanks again for doing the show and for being part of the series.

Stay well,

Russell - Jazz and Blues Showcase - (via e-mail) - February 13, 2011

Dick,

Dick, we so enjoyed your playing and Linda's singing. The true art of the guitar accompaniment. Your harmonies were refreshing. Hope to see you and hear you soon.

Darla - vocalist - (via Facebook) - September 3, 2011

Great show at Cedar Gardens last night! Thanks for the lesson.

Kevin - guitarist - (via Facebook) - December 16, 2011

... Dick Gratton a super ... jazz guitarist. Man he played like a well oiled machine he was amazing ... used a vintage hollow body Gibson.

Mike - drummer - (via Facebook) - January 14, 2012

Hey you were great everyone loved listening to you play. You were professional. Even Vince Martell from the Vanilla Fudge band famous from the seventies many hits on the radio gave you many compliments. And Vince being an icon and famous guitarist who travels around the world playing that's saying something. Man you are great guitarist glad to see you play.

Mike - drummer - (via Facebook) - January 15, 2012

Great night of live music last night. Dick Gratton at the Cedar Pub.. That dude is a monster guitar player.. I'm a big DG fan from here on out.

Frank - guitarist - (via Facebook) - March 2, 2012

When you get a chance... make sure you go see a Dick Gratton solo performance. You will be amazed..

Frank - guitarist - (via Facebook) - April 1, 2012